Michelle Carter DEFENDANT

Michael Carter defendant

Michael Carter's legal case poses many complexities of causation and suicide. The defendant was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in the Bristol Juvenile Court of Massachusetts. She convinced Conrad Roy, her boyfriend to commit suicide. Roy exited the car by pumping carbon monoxide. Carter told Roy to "get back in". this created a controversial issue as she was accused of the suicide and plotting behind it. The central argument stresses on the causation. Considering the motives makes Carter guilty of the accident because she influenced Roy to commit suicide. Because Carter's words reflect an aggressive view she is responsible for causing the accident.

Investigations proved that Carter was in direct contact with Roy across different platforms. The investigation team revealed records of their conservation on phones, emails and social media. According to law, “suicide has been considered a superseding act which breaks the chain of legal causation” (Natasha & Sanchez). Although behavior of Carter is morally repressive but it is difficult to prove that she face legal implications. A predictable and clear legal standard is required for evaluating the causation in Carter’s case. It is possible to prove Carter’s guilt by evaluating the components of the suicidal cases. The involuntary manslaughter can be proved on the basis of defendant’s conduct that is intentional, reckless and caused death to the victim. The interpretation of Carter’s interaction with Roy over social sites and text messages can be used for proving her intentional involvement in suicide. However the Massachusetts practice series lacks relevant section for causation. To prove her guilt and involvement in crime causation must be proved.

It is important to understand causation in law for determining the crime of Carter. It is essential to prove that the defendant is the direct cause of the incident. Because Carter convinced Roy to suicide that can be confirmed through their conversation history, she can be proved guilty. The use of words, "get back in" depicts that she intentionally provoked him to excite the car. This can be used as evidence for proving Carter's role in suicide. It can also be proved that the act of carter was reckless because she ignored the consequences of the accident. Similarly, the principle of causation also requires that the event caused harm to the person.

The analysis of the case depicts that Carter made a voluntary, free and deliberate choice. The principle of free-will is sufficient for proving her guilt in the case of Roy's accident. The opponents of the case state that Carter did not provide the means for committing suicide. This can be used as a reasonable claim for protecting her from the accusations. However, the harm caused to the third party has a direct association with Carter. Her intentional involvement in the case can be used for proving that the case is beyond a reasonable doubt. Because the intentions of Carter assisted the physical act of Roy she can be proved guilty of the crime. The court can apply the reasonable juvenile standard for identifying the reasonable punishment for Carter.

Although Carter was guilty of the crime proved by the causation and her intentional role in the case but she must receive the punishment that is less harsh. The conversation records can be used as evidence for proving Carter's guilt. The age of the defendant must be considered before confirming her intentional involvement in the crime. The overall analysis of the debate depicts that direct involvement, voluntary decision and intention proves the guilt of Carter.

Work Cited

Natisha Lance & Ray Sanchez, Judge Finds Michelle Carter Guilty of Manslaughter in Texting Suicide Case, CNN (April 2019), http://www.cnn.com/2017/06/16/us /Michelle-carter-texting-case/index